2018 Pinks Dry Rosé- Central Coast
Retail $18 Special Club Pricing $13.50
Introducing the most recent bottling of Hitching Post Wines Pinks Dry Rose. With the rise in popularity of this drier style Rosé over the last few years, we pick grapes with the specific intention to make a naturally lively, crisp beverage that is light and quaffable. We were again blessed with a compressed harvest where Valdiguie from French Camp Vineyard, located in warm northern San Luis Obispo County was ready at the same time as Pinot Noir from Rio Vista, Kick On Ranch Vineyards in Santa Barbara. We pick the Valdiguie early and press specifically for this Rosé. The free run from Pinot Noir juice was removed as the grapes were crushed for red wine fermentation. This 80% Valdiguie, 20% Pinot Noir blend came together before fermentation. We fermented slow, steady, and cool in stainless steel tanks and put half in barrel to age on the lees until March. Enjoy now and as it continues to develop over the next year or two.
2016 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir- Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Retail $54 Special Club Price $40.50
Our history with Sanford & Benedict Vineyard goes back to 1985 and we are honored to still source Pinot Noir from this renowned vineyard site. It has always been our most special source, we believe it is one of the best sites for Pinot Noir in all of California. Over the past 33 years, we have had the opportunity to taste the wines we’ve produced from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and experienced the ability for them to age spectacularly over time. This is just our third effort with this newer site planting from 2008. Two sections planted high on the hill on very rocky soils laden with the Monterey shale from the mountains above. Dark red hue in color, this vintage is showing ripe red currant and strawberry notes laced with dashes of herbs on the nose. A youthful wine as of yet, the palate lends baking spices, blood orange rind, red berry and lush tannin structure and focused acidity. The flavors from the oak aging mingle with the finish, leaving a softer vanilla impression. This wine is early in its maturity cycle, so to open it now is like opening up the hope chest. There is clear density and power to this wine and our expectations are that it will continue to develop over many years.
2016 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir- Santa Maria Valley AVA
Retail $54 Special Club Price $40.50
The Bien Nacido Vineyard has been a consistent and reliable source for us since 1991. It is hard to believe that we have made distinct and captivating wines from this great vineyard 27 times. The 2015 vintage gave us some of our best fruit ever – a small crop with very small berries. The following 2016 vintage produced similar sized berries with larger clusters. This was supported by a near-ideal growing season with replenishing rainfall amounts and an early bud break matching more with annual yield averages. Red rose petal in color, the aromatics are savory and expressive! Dusty tomato skins, cinnamon and thyme fill the palate with hints of cocoa on the finish. There is a notable saline quality that works its way into the flavor dimensions. Round tannins integrated with smooth acidity, this wine is showing great balance now but has a larger story to tell if aged.
